Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is one of the most common of all crimes and battering is the single
major cause of injury to women. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office has established
a Domestic Violence Unit. Its goals are to provide protection through aggressive
prosecution, to end the cycle of violence, and to help victims understand they are
not alone and that there is help.

Safe on Seven Domestic Violence Center

Fosyth County is home to the Safe On Seven Domestic Violence Center which began
operation in October 2005. The center derives its name from its multi-agency approach
to providing services for domestic violence victims on the seventh floor of the
Forsyth County Hall of Justice. Fortuitously, the abbreviation of Safe On Seven
is S.O.S., the international distress code for a cry for help.

The Safe On Seven DV Center provides a one-stop shop for domestic violence victims
by bringing together key service providers from law enforcement, the court system,
and victim advocates, thus expediting a variety of services to domestic violence
victims who previously had to seek out these services at various locations. This
exciting new concept will mitigate the stress and trauma domestic violence victims
often face as they navigate through the court system. Domestic violence victims
will be able to obtain legal advice, counseling, referrals, protective orders, as
well as information concerning their cases from law enforcement and the District
Attorney’s Office.

The Safe On Seven DV Center was funded by a grant from the Federal Office for Victims
of Crime and inspired by the leadership of Tom Keith and the collective vision of
several partner agencies in Forsyth County including Family Services, Clerk of Court,
District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Legal Aid, Department of Social Services,
Winston-Salem Police Department, NC Department of Community Corrections, and the
Winston-Salem State University Center for Community Safety.

The main number for the Safe On Seven Domestic Violence Center is 336-779-6320.
The Center’s hours of operation are from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday through Friday.